Community & Business
1 August, 2025
Men’s and women’s yarning groups thrive in Mareeba
MEN in Mareeba are finding strength through shared stories, thanks to the growing success of Mulungu’s Yabba Bala Men’s Group.
The support group, which meets weekly for evening yarning sessions, has seen a steady increase in attendance since it recommenced in February.
Mulungu Social and Emotional Wellbeing Team Leader, Roderick Thompson, said the group has quickly gained momentum.
“By moving our sessions from daytime to evenings, we’ve made it easier for working men to join in,” he said.
“We had 13 men at our first session for the year, and the numbers have grown since with more than 20 men attending each Monday.”
Yarning is an important cultural practice in First Nations communities, offering a safe space for open conversations, emotional support, and connection. The Yabba Bala group aims to boost mental health, emotional wellbeing, and community ties among its members.
“We’ve expanded the sessions to include meaningful activities like ‘unpacking the backpack’ and swimming the river, which help the men let go of emotional burdens,” Mr Thompson said.
“These conversations and activities are not only therapeutic but have encouraged even the quieter men to open up and share their experiences.”
The Yabba Bala Men’s Group runs every Monday from 6pm to 8pm.
Jolly Jalbu’s Women’s Group, also run by Mulungu, continues to offer a positive and supportive space for women of Mareeba.
This group is facilitated by Indigenous counsellor Fiona Boyle, meeting every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm with around 10 women.
The group’s focus has been on creating ‘vision boards’ - a creative and reflective activity that helps participants imagine and plan their futures.
“The women really value this time each week as it gives them the chance to reflect, connect, and make positive changes in their lives and their families’ lives,” Ms Boyle said.
Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation’s Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Programs are delivered as part of the Mental Health Stepped Care (Place Based) Service, funded by the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), and the Men’s Hands Up Project and the SEWP are funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).
For more information visit www.mulungu.com.au
